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If you suspect you have hearing loss or a hearing healthcare professional has evaluated your hearing and has determined that you are candidate for two hearing aids, are you wondering if you can “get by” with just one hearing aid? For many years, research in the field of hearing science has found that wearing two hearing aids is definitely better than one (with very few exceptions). After all, if you have vision loss in both eyes, you wouldn’t wear a monocle (one eyeglass lens) would you?

One of the best ways to keep your auditory system in good working order is to use it. Wearing hearing aids in both ears ensures that both ears are being stimulated. It allows for the optimal amount of information to be sent to the brain for better processing – especially for understanding speech. People fit with binaural (two) hearing aids score better on word recognition and speech understanding tests. This is not only true in quiet listening situations, but is even more evident in group and noisy situations. Groups and noise are the most common places that people with hearing loss report the most difficulty hearing in. Also, studies have shown that the word recognition abilities of people fitted with one hearing aid decline more rapidly than people fitted with two hearing aids. Clinically, this is called the auditory deprivation effect.

Higher rate of hearing aid satisfaction with two hearing aids than one hearing aid

So, just as you need two eyes to see your best, you need two ears to hear clearly. If you suspect that you or a loved one has hearing loss or needs hearing aids, please do not hesitate to contact us at HearMD at 856-602-4200 for a complete hearing evaluation and consultation. Let our experienced hearing healthcare professionals and ENT physicians guide you on your journey to better hearing for better living.

There are many health and personal safety issues related to hearing loss which include cognition, social issues and medical issues but now there has been another risk identified – falls.

A study done in recently at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the National Institute of Aging found that untreated hearing loss can significantly increase the risk of falls for older people. Falls are a huge public health problem and results in billions of dollars each year in health care costs. This finding may help researchers address the issue of falls more effectively and develop new ways to prevent falls.

Dr. Frank Lin found in his study “Hearing Loss and Falls Among Older Adults in the United States” that even when they accounted for other factors related to fall risk (age, sex, race, cardiovascular disease and vestibular function), the risk of falling tripled in people with only a mild 25 decibel hearing loss. They also found that for each 10-decibel decrease in hearing, the risk for falling increased by 140 percent.

So why does this risk of falling increase so dramatically with hearing loss? Researchers speculate a few reasons. One is that people who cannot hear well do not have an overall accurate awareness of their environment and where they are relation to other people and things around them. Another theory is that gait and balance are very cognitively demanding. If the brain is overwhelmed by the cognitive load of not hearing well, it only has a limited amount of resources to relegate to balance.

So what can be done to decrease the risk of falling in relation to hearing? Another small study at Washington University of St. Louis then looked at whether wearing hearing aids could help improve balance or lack of hearing aids could make it worse. They determined that hearing aids did make a positive difference. Participants were able to maintain their balance longer with hearing aids turned on than when they were turned off. It was a small study, but the results indicated that sound information alone, independent of the vestibular (balance) system, may play more important role in maintaining balance than was previously thought.

Keeping older adults from falling and the importance of good balance in older people is often underestimated. Falling is the lead cause of accidental deaths in adults over age 65 in the United States (CDC findings). Also, in 2009 alone, there were 2.2 million non-fatal injuries reported in emergency departments across the United States, costing approximately $30 billion dollars a year.

So if you or someone you know has hearing loss and/or balance issues, please do not hesitate to call us at HearMD. We will perform a complete audiological evaluation to determine your hearing status and offer a treatment plan if needed. Call today to schedule your appointment at 856-602-4200. Remember – better hearing is better living.

The use of headphones or earbuds to listen to music from portable listening devices has skyrocketed in the last decade. When used correctly at safe listening levels, they will not do harm to your hearing. Unfortunately, many people are using them incorrectly and permanently damaging their hearing with these devices. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 50% of young people (ages 15-35) are listening to music from personal listening devices at levels that are unsafe (100 decibels or more). The structures of the ear are very sensitive and can start to show damage after as little as 14 minutes at noise levels of 100 decibels or more. Due to headphone use and other exposure to dangerously loud noise, approximately 12% of children ages 6-19 have noise-induced hearing loss and about 26 million adults (ages 20-69) have some degree of noise-induced hearing loss (in the U.S.).

Safe listening practices are important for people of all ages, but are especially important for children and young people. Noise-cancelling headphones can help. Some young people not only listen to headphones for the music, but as a way to “block out” noise in their surrounding environment. But most headphones are not designed to “block out” noise and therefore the volume is cranked up to unsafe levels. This is especially true for earbud-style speakers in particular. Earbud-style speakers are also notoriously poor at transmitting the bass of the music efficiently, which may cause users to also turn it up to hear better.

There are a few styles of headphones that may help these issues. They may better “protect” your hearing along with allowing you to hear your music at safe listening levels. One option is noise-isolating headphones, which creates a seal around the ear to make a physical barrier between the ear and outside sounds in the environment. Another option which is growing in popularity is noise-cancelling headphones. They work by using inverse sound waves to cancel out the incoming sounds from the environment. They work best at canceling out low-frequency sounds like the rumble of traffic or engines but are not as efficient at blocking higher-frequency sounds like conversations.

If you don’t choose to invest in one of the above types of headphones, there are some “rules” to follow to ensure safe listening to any kind of headphone (including noise-canceling). Most experts recommend not listening at more than 85 dB for no more than 8 hours a day. Practically, that translates into never listening to music at more than 60 percent of the device’s maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes continuously (known as the “60/60 rule”). On most personal listening devices, you can also go under the “Settings” and set a maximum volume. This is especially helpful for parents to ensure that their children are not listening too loudly.

It is possible to enjoy music through headphones. Just keep the volume down at a safe level and be aware of any change in your hearing. For more advice on which noise-canceling headphones might be a worthwhile investment, please see this link: https://www.reviews.com/noise-canceling-headphones/

If you have any further questions or if you suspect a hearing loss, please don’t hesitate to call HearMD at 856-602-4200 to make an appointment or to speak to one of our hearing healthcare professionals. We are committed to better hearing through better living by providing individualized comprehensive hearing healthcare services in South Jersey.

Hearing loss rates are rising in children and young adults. Studies show that young people today are generally more sensible in regards to their health than previous generations except for the protection and preservation of their hearing. Approximately 12% of all children ages 6-19 have some degree of noise-induced hearing loss and a CDC survey of adults in their 20’s found that about 20% of them have measurable hearing loss.

Teens and young adults are especially at high risk for hearing loss. Activities of their daily life are now potentially causes of hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). This age group is more likely to attend concerts or loud sporting events, use lawn equipment (without hearing protection) and to use headphones/earbuds to listen to music at excessive volume levels which can cause permanent hearing loss. The World Health Organization (WHO) found that over 50% of young people ages 15-35 listen to music from personal audio devices (usually phones) at volumes that are unsafe (100 decibels or greater). The structure of the ear (hair cells in the inner ear) are very sensitive and can start to show damage after as little as 14 minutes at noise levels of 100 decibels or more. Even sounds at 85 decibels have the potential to affect hearing sensitivity (such as lawn mowers, hair dryers, some vacuums). The resulting hearing loss usually starts in high-frequency region of hearing and can cause the diminishing ability to hear speech “clearly” – especially in situations with background noise such as classrooms, social situations and work meetings which are so crucial to young people. The majority of noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible and with continued exposure will worsen with time and aging.

Safe listening practices are important for all ages but especially crucial for children and young people. Be aware that childhood noise risks can include things like noisy toys, band class, shop class, firecrackers, motor bikes, arcades and even movie theaters. When around noise, please provide your child with hearing protection. Hearing protection earmuffs or foam earplugs can be purchased at any pharmacy or home improvement store. Earplugs are very portable can easily be carried in your pocket/bag when attending concerts. Also, when listening to music through headphones/earbuds, the style of the headphone/earbud is irrelevant. All styles, even “noise-cancelling” headphones, can destroy your hearing. When listening to headphones/earbuds, apply the “60/60” rule. Do not listen to the device at more than 60% of full volume and take a break after 60 minutes of continuous listening.

If you think your child or someone you know may have a hearing loss, please do not hesitate to set up an appointment with one of our HearMD staff for a complete audiological evaluation. Living with untreated hearing loss will decrease one’s quality of life, relationships and career/academic success.

For more information, you can visit HearMDllc.com or call us today at 856-602-4200 to start on the path to better hearing for better living.

Summer is now in full swing which often means more time outside, maybe even spending your Saturday doing yard work. While a chore like mowing the lawn may seem common and harmless, the loud sounds produced by a lawn mower can be dangerous to your ears and should not be taken lightly.

A gas-powered lawn mower clocks in around 100 dB. If you use this tool for longer than 15 minutes without any hearing protection, you could permanently damage your hearing. While it would be easy to let your grass grow out of control, or pay for a lawn mowing service, there is a very simple solution. Earplugs.

Disposable earplugs made of foam or silicone are readily available and can help you block the potentially damaging loud sounds. Custom ear protection crafted from ear-molds will perfectly fit the unique contours of your ears, guaranteeing a snug, proper fit and dependable protection. If you plan to keep up your curb appeal and mow your lawn regularly, be sure to protect your ears to ensure you hear every compliment your lawn attracts.

For more information on how to protect yourself from potentially harmful sound this summer, visit HearMDllc.com or call us at 856-602-4200.

School is out for the summer. That means kids have three months with lots of spare time. With an increase in downtime comes binge watching and music listening, often times with the use of headphones.

While headphones can keep your kids quiet and spare you from getting the latest Taylor Swift song stuck in your head, there are risks to you children’s hearing health that come with the misuse of headphones.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Personal music players are often linked with noise-induced hearing loss. This type of hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud noises and is unfortunately permanent.

In order to prevent this type of hearing loss, it is important to understand when a sound is too loud. Sound is measured in decibels. Anything over 85 dB (heavy New jersey traffic) can cause damage after eight hours. Sounds over 100 dB (motorcycle) can cause damage after 15 minutes. And finally, sounds over 120 dB (jackhammer) can cause immediate damage.

Researchers have been studying how personal music players relate to hearing loss. A 2010 study found that a pair of standard earbuds paired with an iPod set to its maximum volume produces an average sound level of 96 dB. This is higher than what is legally allowed in a workplace.

One study found that 25 percent of those who use personal music players are exposed to daily noise that is loud enough to cause damage. Another study found that 90 percent of all adolescents listen to music using earbuds; almost half listen at a high-volume setting.

How to Protect Yourself

The best way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is to simply turn the volume down.

Experts suggest implementing the 60/60 rule. This rule states that you should listen to music at 60 percent of the volume for 60 minutes a day. Researchers have concluded that this volume for this length of time will not cause any harm to your hearing.

Below is a list of suggestions to help you protect your children from noise-induced hearing loss:

Replace in-ear, bud-style headphones with over-the-ear models.

Set a sound limit. Many new music players allow parents to set a listening limit which is password protected.

Purchase kid-safe headphones. These headphones are designed especially for children and have a lower-than-normal maximum volume level.

For more about protecting you children’s ears this summer or other related information, visit HearMD.com or call (856) 602-400 to schedule an appointment.

With more than half of Americans who experience noise-induced hearing loss not working in noisy jobs, the spotlight turns to what Americans are doing in their leisure time. May 1st marks the beginning of Better Hearing & Speech Month—a time to assess lifestyle habits that may be contributing to hearing loss as well as schedule a hearing evaluation for anyone with concerns about their hearing.

About 40 million U.S. adults aged 20–69 years have noise-induced hearing loss, a form of hearing damage that results from exposure to loud noise. This could be cumulative harm that developed from exposure over time, or it could occur from one severe episode. Although completely preventable, once it occurs, it is irreversible. Far from simply being an annoyance, hearing loss can affect almost all aspects of life, including physical health, mental health, employment status and success, social functioning and satisfaction, and much more. Hearing loss can be treated through various technologies and techniques under the care of a certified audiologist, but hearing is never fully restored.

In addition to the dangers posed by listening to ear buds or headphones at too-loud volumes and for too long, noisy settings are commonplace in today’s society. Many restaurants are specifically designed to elevate noise levels to make establishments feel more energetic. Similarly, some sports stadiums have been built with sound elevation in mind, thought to improve the fan experience and serve as a home-team advantage. Coffee shops, fitness classes, and more all make modern society a collectively loud place.

Although many people report concern about noisy environments, not nearly enough take protective steps. Here are some simple ways that everyone can take charge of their hearing health—this month and always:

Wear hearing protection. Earplugs and earmuffs are cheap, portable, and (with a good fit) offer excellent hearing protection. Bring them along when you know you’ll be in a noisy setting. Better yet, keep them on you at all times!

Reduce exposure. Take steps to reduce your exposure to noisy settings. Visit noisy establishments during off times, consider quieter settings, and talk to managers if you find the noise level uncomfortable.

See a certified audiologist for a hearing evaluation. A recent government report stated that 1 in 4 U.S. adults who report excellent to good hearing already have hearing damage. Many adults don’t routinely get their hearing checked, and even those who are concerned often delay treatment for years. Postponing treatment can have serious medical and mental health repercussions in addition to reducing a person’s quality of life, so visit one of the hearing health professionals at HearMD if you have any concerns.

This advice about hearing protection goes for just about everyone, from the youngest of children to older adults, from those with excellent hearing who want to maintain it, to those who already have some hearing loss and don’t want to make it worse. As a society, everyone needs to prioritize hearing protection.

If you would like to schedule a hearing evaluation or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact HearMD at 856-602-4200 to make an appointment at one of our 8 area locations or visit www.hearmdllc.com for more information. Remember – better hearing for better living.

May is Better Hearing & Speech Month

With more than half of Americans who experience noise-induced hearing loss not working in noisy jobs, the spotlight turns to what Americans are doing in their leisure time. May 1st marks the beginning of Better Hearing & Speech Month—a time to assess lifestyle habits that may be contributing to hearing loss as well as schedule a hearing evaluation for anyone with concerns about their hearing.

To help build awareness and celebrate Better Hearing & Speech Month, Advanced ENT & HearMD have other special #BHSM offerings throughout the month of May:

Extended Warranties (1 additional year to current warranty) on all hearing devices purchased during Better Hearing & Speech Month.

FREE Hearing Screenings will be held at select offices from 10:00am to 12:00pm on May 5, May 12 and May 19. NO APPOINTMENT necessary (must be at least 6 years old). Everyone who comes in for a free screening during these times will receive an Advanced ENT/HearMD gift bag.

In a post, explain how Communication is a Key part of some activity or hobby you participate in (Example: As a physician, COMMUNICATING health issues & treatment options to patients is a KEY to ensure the patient can take the right steps to recover or improve their health.)

Use the hashtag #BHSM

You MUST Tag or mention Advanced ENT & HearMD in your post to be eligible to win.

At the end of May, we will select a winner. The more posts, the better your chances.

If you would like to schedule a hearing evaluation, contact Advanced ENT or HearMD by calling (856) 602-40

RSVP To The Community Hearing Event On April 6, 2017

Did you know that there are approximately 30 million people in the United States that are living with diabetes? Diabetes is a disease that is characterized by high-blood sugar levels. Most diabetics (about 95%) have Type 2 diabetes and when their blood sugar levels are not well controlled, the risk of developing hearing loss increases. Studies show that diabetics are twice as likely to develop hearing loss as people who do not have the disease. Diabetes is becoming more common and though the global prevalence of diabetes is presently around 9 percent among adults, the incidence is rising. It is becoming an extremely common disease, making it a large contributor to hearing loss.

So how does diabetes relate to a higher risk of hearing loss? There is no definitive answer but research has suggested that hearing loss in diabetics might be due to poor circulation. When glucose levels are not managed, it may cause damage to the small blood vessels in the inner ear which doesn’t have a “backup” blood supply. Hearing loss may then occur because of permanent damage done to the blood vessels of the inner ear. Also, according to a theory by the American Diabetes Association, a person with a higher A1c (percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the blood) possesses a greater risk of developing future hearing loss. That is one of the many reasons why it so very important to manage your blood sugar if you have diabetes. In addition, because you are at increased risk of hearing loss, it is important to get your hearing tested annually, especially if you are not hearing as well as you used to. Some common signs of hearing loss include frequently asking people to repeat themselves, thinking that others are “mumbling” when you cannot hear them clearly, trouble following conversations (especially in groups/background noise) and turning up the TV or radio louder.

If a hearing loss is noticed, please do not hesitate to get a complete hearing evaluation. Hearing loss that is not treated can lead to an entire host of other problems including increased risk for dementia, depression, social isolation and decreased quality of life. Please call us at (856) 602-4200 if you have questions or would like to make an appointment with one of our hearing healthcare professionals or physicians.